Venture Engine announces top 14 fundable start ups moving on to finale
Friday, 27 June 2014 00:00
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Following the Round 1 presentations by the shortlisted 24 companies, that made it past the two-minute pitch round held on 20 June, Venture Engine announces that the 2014 Finale will see 14 businesses moving on to the final presentations to a distinguished panel of local and international judges.
“The reality is that each of these 14 companies is a winner, regardless of first, second or third place, they each stand the chance of being funded by any of the investors that are part of the program, this is what has made Venture Engine a platform that truly creates opportunities for entrepreneur,” said Prajeeth Balasubramanium, Co-Founder of Blue Ocean Ventures. “The fact that we have 14 businesses going through to the final is a testament to the quality of ideas and entrepreneurs and the immense potential in the Sri Lanka entrepreneurial landscape,” he added.
Making it to the final pitch round in 2014 are: AirDrops, a socially-active premium drinking water extraction company; Extrogene, a software solutions provider with a focus on the telco sector; Butterfly Kisses, a children’s clothing and accessory brand; Endemic, a business built around Sri Lankan fauna; Healthy Living, a lifestyle brand with a focus on solving obesity issues; Katha, a platform for creating and storing voice content; Mogo, a news narrative mobile application; OMAK IT, solutions with a focus on restaurant management solutions; Zacki Skin Paste, delivering Ayurvedic skin care products; Zigzag, an online portal for local designers; Mihiri – Wearable Art, a collection of unique jewellery; Swimwear by Zii, catering to the conservative woman; Jeevana, Sri Lanka’s only matchmaking service; and Intellocut, an intelligent material planning and optimisation software.
The finalists will spend the next week working with their mentors from the Lankan Angel Network to fine-tune their business plans and prepare their pitch as they step in front of 20 potential investors for the final round of presentations that will be held on 3 July.
Created by Blue Ocean Ventures and the Indian Angel Network, Venture Engine is sponsored by Expolanka PLC, Orion City and Dialog. The event wraps up on 3 July where the top three business plans will be selected following a final pitch to the Panel of Judges, which will include members of the Lanka Angel Network, the Indian Angel Network and the sponsors.
Further information on Venture Engine is available on www.ventureengine.com.
